As soon as Katlyn got back to the house she found Mark up in the kitchen getting something to drink. He looked annoyed and she assumed he had found her missing and was pissed.
"Where were ya?" Mark asked.
"I couldn't sleep and went for a walk. Are you mad?" Katlyn asked.
Immediately the look in his eyes softened and he walked over and wrapped her in a loose hug. Unlike before when he touched her Katlyn didn't flinch instead she leaned into his warmth.
"Naw honey I was just worried about ya, that's all. Be careful going out at night like that." Mark said.
"Okay." Katlyn said.
Mark pulled back and smiled at her.
"How about some hot chocolate and then we get ya back to bed?" Mark asked.
Katlyn nodded and set on the barstool and watched Mark make the hot chocolate.
Mark made them both a cup and set next to her.
"Ya got something on yer mind Katy?" Mark asked.
Katlyn looked up at Mark. Mark seen something was worrying her.
"Mark do you think I can actually lead a straight life, you know finish school and have a career without going back to stealing?" Katlyn asked.
"Well now that's kind of up to you. You have to want it Katy, but yes I think your smart and you can do anything ya want with your life." Mark said.
Katlyn made up her mind that minute she wasn't going to help Eddie. She wanted to go straight and lead a normal life. She smiled at Mark who leaned forward and kissed the top of her head.
"All right, now off to bed with ya Katy." Mark said.
Katlyn hopped off the stool and Mark got up. They washed out there cups and Mark walked with her up to her room. She went in the bathroom and changed back into her nightgown. Katlyn climbed back under the covers and snuggled in the bed. Mark grinned. She sure was a cute little thing.
"Try to get back to sleep." Mark said setting down on the side of the bed.
Katlyn stared at him. He sure was handsome. Jessie was right she liked him, but he just felt sorry for her. Someone like Mark could never like her.
Mark saw the slight frown form on her lips.
"What's wrong little girl?" Mark asked.
"Nothing." Katlyn mumbled.
"Ribs hurt?" Mark asked.
"No." Katlyn said.
"Let me take a look." Mark said pushing back the covers and lifting her nightgown.
Katlyn felt his fingers skimming lightly across her ribs. It gave her a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach. Mark fingers ran across her stomach as he pulled her nightgown back down. Katlyn jumped from the contact.
Mark smiled.
"Sorry Darlin, I forgot you were ticklish." Mark said.
Katlyn ducked her head and looked away shyly.
"What's wrong Darlin?" Mark asked teasing her some.
"It didn't tickle." Katlyn said suddenly turning to look at him.
"Then why did ya jump?" Mark asked.
"It made me tingle." Katlyn said innocently.
Mark realized she was innocent, he hadn't even considered that possibility till now. Her innocent words told him that she had no experience with a man touching her.
"Tingle huh?" Mark asked.
Katlyn nodded.
"Katlyn have ya ever been with a man?" Mark asked.
Katlyn looked confused and then she realized what he meant. Katlyn blushed and shook her head.
She confirmed what he had already figured.
"Well that makes you a very special girl, Katlyn; someday you'll fall in love and share that gift with the man ya love." Mark said.
Katlyn was overcome with her feelings for this gentle giant. She sat up and leaned over and hugged him shocking her and Mark both. Mark wrapped his arms around her.
"Sweet little thing." Mark murmured against her hair. Mark laid her back down and kissed her cheek.
"Get on back to sleep now." Mark said and got up and left.
Katlyn lay there thinking about the way he made her stomach do flip flops. She hoped one day to share that gift with Mark if he would have her.
Katlyn spent the morning working on her classes online. She had got done at noon and went to find Mark. He was in his gym working out. Katlyn stood and watched him lifting weights. She waited till he was done and walked over.
"Hey." She said.
"Hey Katy, ya done?" Mark asked.
"Yes." She said.
"I'm going to hit the shower. How about we go see a movie or something, then we'll have dinner?" Mark said.
"Okay Mark." Katlyn said.
She watched him get up and head for the shower. Katlyn was mesmerized by his tattoos. He was so handsome. She shook her head. She realized she was falling for him and it wouldn't do her any good. Mark could have any woman she wanted, why would he want her?